Dianne Sylvia McGHEE

Dianne Sylvia McGhee (nee Sumka) passed away peacefully on May 20, 2020.  Dianne was predeceased by her husband Rick McGhee and her parents Michael Sumka and Parma Sumka (nee Bossio).

Dianne was born in Fernie on September 2, 1946.  She went to school in Fernie and upon graduation went to Edmonton to attend McTavish School of Business.  In Edmonton, she met Rick McGhee and they were married in 1966.  After they had their son Dwayne in 1968, they made their way home to Fernie to settle and finally to Elko, BC to raise Dwayne and their daughter Allison who was born in 1975.

Dianne worked part time for CP Rail from 1980-2005 while Rick worked at the Elko Sawmill. In Elko she was a vibrant part of the community.  She offered her time to the Elko Women’s Auxiliary and Dianne’s home was open to anyone for coffee and a talk.  She often made food for many of her kid’s friends and always made them welcome.  Dianne walked everywhere she went in Elko as she never wanted to learn to drive.  Often her and her good friends would walk to the Hilltop or the Ice Cream Stand for coffee and there would be laughter and chatter the whole time.

Dianne was a kind, caring person who never complained about anything or any circumstance, even when times were hard.  After Rick passed away, Dianne returned home to Fernie again to care for her mother Parma alongside her brother Bob Sumka.  Eventually Dianne moved to the Rocky Mountain Village as she did not want to leave her home of Fernie.

Dianne is survived by her children Dwayne McGhee (June) and Allison Cunningham (Darryl) as well as her grandchildren Liam and Sally McGhee and Sienna, Dillan and Natalie Trautman.  Dianne is also survived by her sister Marilyn Sweet (Al) and her brother Bob Sumka.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the Rocky Mountain Village for all their years of care and especially the last days of Dianne’s care. There are no words adequate to express the gratitude we have for the staff at Rocky Mountain Village.  Dwayne and Allison would also like to thank Bob Sumka for visiting Dianne regularly and keeping her connected to family.

At this time there will not be a memorial due to travel restrictions, however there will be a celebration of life at a future date.  Until then in memory of Dianne the family asks that you spread kindness, have a coffee with a friend and even make or eat a Nanaimo bar or two.